Arriving in Zurich on the 23rd starts my journey towards JWOC 2016, with just under 2weeks until it starts, rest and recovery from jet lag is vital. For the first week I am in Richterswil which is a 40min train ride from Central Zurich, at 400m above sea level. So I will gradually acclimatise once I’m in Sent. I am lucky enough to be hosted by the Gross family for my stay in Richterswil. They are greatly involved within Swiss Orienteering, with all three daughters being in the Swiss National Orienteering team.

On the 27th of June I will travel by train to Sent which is the neighbouring town to Scoul in the Engadin. Here I will train with some of the Australian team and explore some of the Swiss Alps and the nature within this valley. From there I will travel to Davos on the first to finally meet up with the rest of the New Zealand team. As a team will will compete in the Swiss Relay Champs.

Training over the next two weeks will include;
27th-3rd moderate trainings and a few fast sessions
4th-8th easy week leading up to JWOC including the trainings areas.

Within the training week leading up to JWOC I hope to familiarise myself with the terrain and take on a more relaxed mentality within this week. Concentrating mainly on my technical ability. Preparation for JWOC has been going very well, since competing at Queens Birthday 3-day I know my training has been more specific and I must be doing something right as I am where I want to be physically, mentally and technically.

The weather since arriving has been quite hot and humid with a few cool days, hopefully it stays this way! I’ve explored Richterswil, and have done a few training runs around the town, one of them being a favourite so far is a trail leading from the town centre following a stream within some forest to the top where you get a magnificent view of Zürichsee (Lake).

Switzerland is sure to put together a great JWOC in the heart of the Engadin Valley!

Sonia